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This package is a simulation of starting a new business venture; namely opening a new shop, and trying to succeed in the complex world of business. The shopkeeper (player) can use the following options to make his/her business profitable: Commence trading, Advertise, Visit bank, Check bank statements, Update stock, Make Insurance enquiries, or quit.

The success of your venture is gaged partly by the value of your assets, but mainly by the luxuries you can (and have) afford(ed) to purchase. These range from a microwave oven, through various cars, a house, and financially the ultimate status symbol - the FALCMOBILE at which level the game finishes.

Much thought has to be put into stock-taking and advertising as seasonal factors can greatly affect levels of stock required e.g. If you choose to run the newsagents then you could also sell gifts, icecream, fireworks and Easter eggs at certain times of the year. When the season for a particular item is over, these items can be sold at cost price to clear your stock, and give you cash to buy more saleable items.

The graphic display is excellent, graphs of stock levels, sales etc. are displayed, and percentages of stock sold etc. I found it very difficult to make sufficient profit to buy luxuries, as I ploughed most of my profit back into the business. I agree with suggestions that the minimum age limit for play should be that of an intelligent fourteen year old, as a lot of careful planning is required to make a go of the business.

Another feature is the ability to choose from four different sites and six different businesses, so that you have a business which means something to you e.g. a village grocers or a high street sports shop. You may choose an accountant to help you through your difficulties, and can borrow from the bank at realistic rates of interest. You must also take wages, bills, taxes and accidents into account.

The only feature which I spotted as not being true to life was the stock turnover in my high street newsagents - if I sold, for example, 50% of my newspapers one month, I did not have to destroy the one-of-date papers and totally restock, but I could keep the old papers and sell some of them with my new papers on the following month.

On the whole, I found the program intellectually stimulating, with many entertaining features - a good insight into the finance of shopkeeping.